General Information

Panicum maximum is a densely clump-forming, perennial grass with erect or ascending culms. The plant often has shortly-creeping rhizomes at the base and can also produce new roots at the lower nodes of the culms. Widely cultivated, there are low/medium height forms from 100 - 150cm tall and also tall forms that can reach 250 - 300cm or more[

Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available.

]. It is also used locally as a source of materials and for a few minor medicinal uses.

Known Hazards

In South Africa, it is suspected to cause a sheep disease ("dikoor"), perhaps in conjunction with a smut. The plant is said to cause fatal colic if eaten too wet or in excess. Traces of HCN occur in stems and leaves, more in the roots[

Habitat

Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available.

].

Properties

Weed Potential

Yes

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Other Uses Rating

Habit

Perennial

Height

2.00 m

Pollinators

Apomixy, Wind

Self-fertile

Yes

Cultivation Status

Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the subtropical to tropical zones, where it is found at elevations up to 2,500 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 19 - 30°c, but can tolerate 6 - 35°c[

Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available.

]. The plant may become a persistent weed, especially in cultivated areas such as sugarcane fields. It should be controlled in the seedling stage, as it is very difficult to remove later when the grass has reached maturity[

Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available.

].
Although plants seed readily, heads ripen very unevenly and shatter readily. Hence seed must be hand-collected. Viability of the fresh seed is comparatively low - it is increased by storing the seeds dry for 6 - 18 months[